Halo 4 will support Microsoft Surface tablet

We don't know how, but Halo 4 will support Microsoft's Surface tablet.

During a panel at VentureBeat's GameBeat 2012 conference, Microsoft's President of Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, confirmed the support, but stopped short of sharing details for how the two will work together.

Microsoft's Surface tablet, revealed back in June, runs the yet-to-be released version of the Windows 8 operating system. It boasts features like an integrated keyboard and USB support while offering a 10.6 inch high-definition touchscreen along with front and rear facing cameras. A built-in kickstand is also built into the tablet's frame allowing the user to go from an interactive experience to a more passive one.

So how will Halo 4 interact with the Surface? From what we've seen, it looks like 343 Industries is going for a more immersive HUD with Halo 4. It literally looks like you are in helmet of Master Chief. Maybe they will use the Surface tablet as an option to rid the screen of inventory items like grenades and ammunition and possibly put the map all on the Surface. Or maybe it will be an entirely separate experience available on the Surface.

Of course, they could go a more simpler route and put extra bits of information on the Surface, like access to Waypoint and maybe some extra Halo history.

Halo 4 is set to release on November 6, 2012 for Xbox 360. The first version of the Surface tablet will release later this year in coordination with the launch of Windows 8.

Matt Liebl
You can follow Senior News Editor Matt Liebl on Twitter @Matt_GZ. He likes games, sports, musicals, and his adorable dog, Wrigley, and his wife.